WARNING – Graphic details.
In September 2020, Breednet reported on the then two year old, Shadow Prey, as “one to watch” with “derby potential” after he placed first at Ballarat.
No more wins were to come over the following year and on 23 January 2022 he finished lame after being raced at the Geelong track. By April 21, 2022, the beautiful grey gelding was dead.
An investigation by Racing Victoria into the horses death found:
“On 21 April 2022, at approximately 9am, the Horse was recumbent and displaying signs consistent with Colic.
On 21 April 2022, from approximately 9am to 6pm, the Racing Victoria registered stablehand and owner of the horse failed to take reasonable steps as were necessary to alleviate any pain being inflicted upon and/or suffered by the Horse.
On 21 April 2022, at approximately 6pm, the Horse continued to display signs consistent with Colic and was, by this stage, in severe pain, at which time the owner euthanised the Horse in an inhumane manner.”
CPR has been informed that the inhumane manner in which Shadow Prey was killed was alledgedly by cutting his throat whilst fully conscious.
Internal charges have been issued and will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.
Our understanding is that neither of the two bodies that have the power to prosecute for animal cruelty in Victoria – the police or the RSPCA, have conducted their own investigation nor have plans to prosecute. They may not have even been informed of the incident. Racing has no obligation to report animal abuse (cruelty beyond the daily standard) to the relevant authorities and the relevant authorities have no obligation to prosecute.
Racing will once again be their own judge and jury.
Take the pledge to never bet on or attend a horse race here.
Horse racing and jump racing are animal abuse. If rules are created to protect the welfare of the horse people will always find ways to break the rules. Political financial contributions to influence/control etc. Horse dead or alive it is all about money.